Reproduction is the ability of living things to produce young ones like them. Reproduction is one of the characteristics of living things which is for the continuation of life.
There are two types of reproduction.
- Asexual reproduction
- Sexual reproduction
- Asexual reproduction – this kind of reproduction involves a single parent to produce young ones. In asexual reproduction, the individual grows and splits into two and this process continues. Examples are binary fission, vegetative reproduction (as in potato, cassava, yam etc.) and so on
- Sexual reproduction – this is the kind of reproduction which involves two sexes. The male produces a sex cell and the female does that too. This is the most common means of reproduction in animals but is also found in plants.
THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The male reproductive system is made up of organs found both outside and inside the body. Such as the penis, scrotum, testes etc. The male sex cell is called the sperm. This is what fusses with the female sex cell at fertilization.
The following are the male reproductive organs, their location and respective functions
| ORGAN | LOCATION | FUNCTION | |
| 1 | Testes | Outside the body | Production of sperm (the male sex cell) |
| 2 | Scrotal sac | Outside the body | Houses the testicles or testes |
| 3 | Penis | Outside the body | The male copulating organ. It penetrates the vagina and conveys the sperm there |
| 4 | Urethra | Inside the body | It is the passage of urine and sperm |
| 5 | Seminal vesicles | Inside the body produces | Produces fluid that forms part of the semen |
| 6 | Vas deferens | Inside the body transfers | Transfers the sperm into the seminal vesicle |
THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The female reproductive system is made up of both external and internal organs that are used for reproductive processes. Examples are the ovary, vagina, fallopian tube etc.
The following are the female reproductive organs, their location and respective functions
| ORGAN | LOCATION | FUNCTION | |
| 1 | Ovaries | Inside the body produces body this produces | Produces eggs and the female sex hormones |
| 2 | Ova (egg) | Inside the body | This is the female sex cell |
| 3 | Uterus (womb) | Inside the body houses | Houses the foetus |
| 4 | Vagina | Inside the body receives | Receives the penis during copulation |
| 5 | Cervix | Inside the body | The opening in the womb that leads to the vagina |
| 6 | Hymen | Inside the body | A thin sheet that covers the vagina of a female child who is a virgin |
Care of the female reproductive organs
- Bath at least twice daily
- Avoid taking illegal drugs.
- Use clean toilets.
- Wear clean and neat panties.
- Visit the gynaecologist in case of any abnormalities.
Care of the male reproductive organs
- Bath daily
- Avoid tight underwear and clothing
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet
- Wear protective gear when playing contact sports
CLASSWORK
- What is reproduction?
- Explain the two types of reproduction.
ASSIGNMENT
SECTION A
- this entire list of living things does not breastfeed their young ones except….. (a) lizard (b) hen (c) snake (d) squirrel
- The male sex cell is called ….. (a) ovum (b) gamete (c) sperm (d) penis
- Which of these is a component of the male reproductive system? (a) uterus (b) sperm (c) vagina (d) ovary
- The doctor that specializes in female reproductive health is called ….. (a) gynecologist (b) gyneacologist (c) gynecologyst (d) ginecologist
- The fusion of the male and the female sex cell is called (a) fermentation (b) fertilization (c) pregnancy (d) reproduction
SECTION B
- Mention two parts of the male and female reproductive system each and state their functions.
- Explain these: (a) zygote (b) fertilization.
See also:
CHANGES IN STATES OF MATTER USING KINETIC THEORY
CHANGES IN STATES OF MATTER USING KINETIC THEORY
MOLECULAR STRUCTURES USING KINETIC THEORY
KINETIC ENERGY